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Sample Behavioral Interview Questions : Ability to Learn

Ability to Learn

Sam, my friend, just went to an interview and got her dream job. When I asked her she told me that according to the interviewer she did well in the ability to learn round. Hearing that I asked her about the questions asked and the answers she gave to them, as I had also been to the same interview, but was unable to clear it. Now that I know the importance of this round, I thought that I would share some sample questions and answers (or tips on how to answer them) for ability to learn in the behavioral interview round.

1. How good are you at analyzing things? Share a personal experience where you self-analyzed a weakness of yours and corrected it.

   Ans: The interviewer is judging your analytic skills. You should be able to analyze to be a good learner. You have to be prepared for this type of question as ability to learn is essential in any job. You must be able to emphasize that you have analytic skills. And you should give examples of how you analyzed a weakness in the past and corrected it. But make sure that it is not a professional weakness but a personal one or at least something that is not related to the job in question.

2. Do you take initiative to learn something new, or you wait till you are ordered to do so?

   Ans: The interviewer expects that the applicant is a self-learner as it would save time of the organization. So here is the answer that Sam gave during her interview: "I believe that everybody is a student for life. We learn something every day. I am a self starter as far as learning new things is concerned. It only helps me in doing better at my job. I keep on trying new ways to get things done in a better way and I do that by doing my own research and find out newer things about the task at hand."

3. How long do you take to learn new processes for a job? / How soon will you become productive for the organization?

   Ans: The interviewer wants to find out, how good the aspiring individual is at learning new things. All organizations prefer quick learners as such people can become productive in less time.

4. What is your most recent professional learning?

   Ans: Describe any recent professional training you have undertaken and applicable it has been for your job. It shows that you have the ability to apply the knowledge gained by training. Also describe some experience that has taught you something important as it will emphasize that you learn from day-to - day experiences as well.

5. How would you go about learning things if time does not permit training on a new job?

   Ans: Most companies do offer training for new joiners to brush up basics and to make them understand what exactly is expected from them. Sometimes training is on-the-job as well. But to answer this question you must be able to elaborate that you have the ability to research and learn for yourself, if the training is not provided. You can mention that you will be able to gain knowledge from your senior colleagues and supervisors to become productive.

6. What is a preferred learning style for you; visual, audio or kinesthetic (doing)?

   Ans: These types of questions are asked for some typical types of jobs where various methods of training may be used. You must be able to explain that you are comfortable with any method of learning as you have the ability to grasp and understand new things. If possible, give examples of how you learned something by any of the methods and were able to put it to work. If you do have a preferred style of learning, be honest to tell so, but explain the reason behind the preference.

7. When was the last time that you learned something complex in short time? How did you manage it?

   Ans: While answering such questions you must be able to highlight your ability to learn quickly. Don't boast yourself, keep it short but make sure you have covered the important points.

8. How do you apply the knowledge gained from feedbacks?

   Ans: Make sure that you are easy with feedbacks and look forward to receiving them as they assist you in doing a better job. Show a logical way of deciphering the feedbacks and practical ways of applying the knowledge gained to perform better.

9. How helpful will your degree/diploma be for your career?

   Ans: Be prepared for these types of questions. You should be able to elaborate that you got the degree/diploma precisely for the career you have chosen. Describe the subjects and projects you undertook while pursuing the course and how it will be helpful for you career. It shows that you have the ability to understand what to learn in order to make progress in your profession.

10. What industrial trends have you picked-up?

    Ans: You should have a good knowledge of the industrial trends. It will display your knowledge of the business you are involved in and are updated with the latest technological or economic developments. It also states that you learn from the various experiences of you job and are well informed of the demands of the industry and can apply it where ever required.

We hope that the sample behavioral interview questions on ability to learn will help you clear your interview round and help you obtain your dream job.